Germany Threatens Steps Against Israel as Tone Shifts Over Gaza Carnage

In rebuke, Berlin also says it won't export weapons used to break humanitarian law

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TURKU, Finland/BERLIN - Germany's foreign minister threatened unspecified measures against Israel on May 27 and said Berlin would not export weapons used to break humanitarian law, as he and Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered their most severe rebuke yet over Gaza.

Germany, along with the US, had long remained in support of Israel's conduct since the Oct 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, even as Israel became increasingly isolated internationally. Its about-turn comes as the European Union is reviewing its Israel policy, and Britain, France and Canada also threatened "concrete actions" over Gaza.

Speaking to broadcaster WDR, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that Germany's historic support for Israel must not be instrumentalised, as massive air strikes and shortages of food and medicines had made the situation in Gaza "unbearable".

Earlier, Mr. Merz criticised air strikes on Gaza as no longer justified by the need to fight Hamas and "no longer comprehensible", in comments at a press conference in Finland.

While not a complete rupture, the shift in tone is significant in a country whose leadership follows a policy of special responsibility for Israel, known as the Staatsraison, due to the legacy of the Nazi Holocaust.

It also reflects a broader shift in German public opinion.